The Inescapable Celibate Heir Chapter 182: Encountering Dennis Again

Ethan casually brought up their travel experiences, saying, "It felt like a campfire in the snow—warm with a touch of chill."

Victoria tapped her finger on the coaster, reminiscing about their cozy chats around the fire, and smiled gently. 

"That was nice. So, Ethan, what have you been up to lately? Nick mentioned he hasn't seen you in days."

Ethan stared at her intently, as if he couldn't get enough of her, and replied nonchalantly, "Just some family stuff." 

He didn't want Victoria to know about his struggles and hardships; he just wanted to be there to protect her when needed.

"Should we skip our game training tonight? You've been doing great as support, and if you're busy, it's okay to take a break," Victoria said considerately. 

She noticed Ethan seemed to be frowning a lot today, and the corners of his mouth, dampened by coffee, looked a bit unnaturally red, almost swollen but obscured from view.

Ethan shook his head and smiled lightly. "No need. Playing games with you and the team at night is a way to relax." 

Despite the exhausting routine of training during the day and gaming at night, he cherished every moment of fighting alongside Victoria.

Victoria looked at him with some concern but didn't press further. 

Something might be going on at Ethan's home, and he probably didn't want anyone to see the injuries on his face. That might be why he hadn't met up with Nick and the others recently. 

She respected boundaries; their relationship was just friendship, and she shouldn't interfere too much in his personal life, especially family matters.

Ryan, feeling left out of their shared experiences, mustered the courage to ask, "What game are you playing? Can I join?"

Ethan's expression changed, and he replied curtly, "No." 

He squinted at Ryan across the table. 'This guy is really shameless! Does he think he can take my support role?' 

Ryan met his gaze defiantly, expressionless. He wasn't like Mira, who was timid. 

Growing up independently, he was confident in his computer skills and didn't need to please anyone to make a living. He had no reverence for the wealthy and powerful.

Victoria didn't notice their silent battle of wills and explained, "We're planning to enter the 'Glory' esports competition next semester. The team is already full."

Ryan nodded regretfully and asked, "Are you all from the same school?"

"Yeah, we're all from Nexus College."

Ryan sipped his Americano without speaking, but his mind was racing. 

Ethan definitely liked Victoria too. They seemed more alike—both had a refined air, attended the same school, and even traveled together. 

Their families were probably close. His main disadvantage was his background, but Victoria didn't seem to care much about that. 

He was self-taught and hadn't even gone to college, which was a drawback. He used to think education didn't matter, but meeting Victoria made him reconsider. 

Nexus College had high admission standards, but it wasn't impossible. They seemed to have a special admission program that he could look into.

The three of them finished their afternoon tea in a mix of awkward and relaxed moments.

Before the semester started, Victoria received a notice from the Chess Association: fewer young people were interested in chess, so the association planned to hold promotional events at colleges to raise awareness and attract more young players. 

Since Victoria was a student at Nexus College, they invited her to discuss the details. 

When Victoria arrived at the chess club on time, she saw Dennis sitting in the room. 

They hadn't seen each other for two months; his skin had darkened a bit and his hair was cut much shorter, probably to make it easier to wear a headgear for filming.

Dennis looked towards the door and smiled warmly at Victoria. "Long time no see, Victoria."

"Yeah, long time no see, Dennis." 

Victoria thought, Dennis must have been filming "Lone Hero" over the winter break. 

His skin now had a healthy tan, fitting the role of a young hero, making his features more defined and sharp. 

He had transformed from a gentle look to a slightly wild charm. But his smile remained as warm as ever, reflecting his inherently gentle nature.

Soon, the Chess Association president arrived and briefed them on the campus promotional event. 

Dennis's filming wasn't finished yet, so Victoria would take the lead on this activity, with Dennis providing support as the student council president, making it easier to organize events at school.

After the briefing, Dennis naturally asked, "Where did you go over the break?" 

Victoria hadn't posted any updates, as she wasn't in the habit, so Dennis had no idea where she'd been.

"I went to Lytheria for skiing and chasing the Northern Lights, rode a dog sled and reindeer, and spent a few days on an island." 

"How about you, Dennis?" Victoria asked politely.

Dennis's smile deepened. "Sounds like you had a great time. Unlike me, I spent the whole break filming."

"Was it the movie by Leon, the screenwriter who came to school last semester?" Victoria pretended not to know too much about it; she couldn't let people know she had been reborn.

"Yes, it's called 'Lone Hero,' still in production." Dennis's tone held a mix of pride and nervousness. 

It was his first time acting, and although the director praised his performance, he knew not every talented actor becomes a star. 

Even someone like him, who had always been surrounded by praise, worried about critical and sarcastic viewers.